Knockengorroch's 'The Hairth' 2007 marks the end of the summer festival season...

The Galloway hills will again resound with the sound of music as The Hairth Music Festival kicks into gear from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 September. The Hairth is Scots for ‘hearth’ and it is at Knockengorroch Farm’s hearth that artistes from all over the world will play over the weekend. Intimate and open to all, The Hairth welcomes visitors of all ages from all places to celebrate a wealth of music under the stars.

The Hairth 2007, the 20th Knockengorroch Festival, features Baka Beyond, who fuse the sound of the central African rainforest peoples with Celtic melodies. Top Scottish acts Aberfeldy, Rory Campbell and Nizlopi the makers of the number one hit ‘JCB Song’ and Irish greats of traditional music Altan.

The entertainment over the weekend will take many forms, including acoustic performances and sessions inside a Celtic longhouse, some of Scotland’s top DJs in the Shieling dance tent, spoken word and burlesque artistes in the Knockengorroch Cabaret and elsewhere tribal belly dancers, ‘walk about’ entertainers and a large scale community fire show amongst other attractions.

Festival goers can also enjoy creative opportunities to try their hands at music, dance and crafts with a selection of workshops taking place in the Tallyn Marque – loosely translated as ‘pool of inspiration’. A Knockengorroch favourite, the ‘open mic’, again also welcomes festival goers to develop their own talents on stage.

Director and founder of the Knockengorroch festivals Simon Holmes said ‘The Hairth is much more than just a fantastic music festival. We like to remind ourselves of the heritage of the hills – of the communities who lived there for generations. The Hairth’s music is roots music –whether it originates by the lochs of Scotland, on the streets of London or the forests of Romania. Music shares a commonality, people share a commonality – I can’t think of a better place to celebrate this than Knockengorroch!’

Family camping provides a space for parents, with kids invited to take part in the children’s area, workshops and procession. Disabled camping facilities are also available. Food stalls offer sustenance from many countries, and a multitude of traders will join the throng bringing hand made goods and goods from abroad for sale.

Knockengorroch Farm is near Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway. Tickets are available online www.knockengorroch.org.uk , or from Ticket Scotland, Ticket web or The Booth.

Click Here for more on The Garden Sessions special coverage of The Hairth '07

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